The Met Opera will offer Sunday matinee performances from next season after it reached an agreement with two key unions. It marks the first time in its 138-year history that Sunday matinees have been a part of its regular schedule.
Associated Musicians of Greater New York, Local 802 (orchestra, music staff, librarians) and the American Guild of Musical Artists (chorus, singers, dancers, stage staff, staff performers) both agreed to Sunday performances after summer-long negotiations. In exchange, union members will receive a 3% wage increase for both 2018-19 and 2019-20.
Additionally, the Met will now take an extended winter break. February performances will be moved to March, with the season ending in mid-June rather than mid-May.
Peter Gelb, Met general manager, said: “This was a successful outcome for all parties. Sunday matinees and the future realignment of the season will ensure the ongoing success of the Met. We’re grateful to our company members for recognising and accepting these important changes.”
However, not all union negotiations have been completed: Local 764 (wardrobe, costume), Local 798 (wigs, makeup) and Local 751 (box office) all have deals that expired at the end of July and need to be renewed.